NAFDAC Destroys Fake Products in Rivers

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has destroyed counterfeit and unwholesome products worth N2.6 billion in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, as part of a nationwide crackdown on seized goods valued at more than N5.3 billion.

The products, which included pharmaceutical items, chemicals, tomato paste, biscuits and other goods considered unwholesome, were intercepted and seized by the Nigeria Customs Service at Onne Port between 2025 and 2026.

The destruction exercise took place on Friday at a dumpsite in Eneka, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State.

NAFDAC calls for stronger inter-agency cooperation

The Chairman of the Federal Task Force on Counterfeit, Fake Drugs and Unwholesome Processed Foods in Nigeria, Martins Iluyomade, represented NAFDAC Director-General, Mojisola Adeyeye, at the exercise.

Iluyomade, who is also the agency’s Director of Investigation and Enforcement, said the operation demonstrated the importance of collaboration between NAFDAC and the Nigeria Customs Service in tackling counterfeit and substandard products.

He described the destruction as the first phase of the exercise, adding that more seized goods were expected to be brought from the port for disposal.

“What you see here right now, this is the flag-up; others are still coming out of the port,” he said, urging the Nigeria Customs Service to facilitate the release of the remaining containers for destruction.

Iluyomade also called for sustained cooperation among government agencies involved in combating counterfeit products and illicit activities, warning against rivalry between institutions.

Customs, NAFDAC reaffirm commitment to enforcement

The South-South Zonal Director of NAFDAC, Chukwuma Oligbu, was represented by his deputy, Rita Chukwuma.

She said the exercise formed part of the agency’s regulatory responsibilities and was aimed at removing fake and substandard products from circulation.

Representing the Enforcement Unit of the Nigeria Customs Service, Area II Command, Superintendent of Customs Elizabeth Abosede commended NAFDAC for the collaboration.

The Port Harcourt exercise followed enforcement operations in Lagos and Aba, Abia State, where NAFDAC seized suspected counterfeit alcoholic beverages, packaging materials and other products valued at billions of naira.

NAFDAC urges Nigerians to report counterfeit products

NAFDAC urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and report suspected illegal manufacturing, repackaging and sales of counterfeit products to the agency.

The agency said continued enforcement and cooperation among regulatory and security agencies were important to preventing unsafe goods from reaching consumers.

The nationwide crackdown targets counterfeit and unwholesome products valued at more than N5.3 billion, with further destruction exercises expected as additional seized consignments are brought out of the port.

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Toyibat Ajose

Toyibat is a highly motivated Mass Communication major and results-oriented professional with a robust foundation in media, education, and communication. Leveraging years of hands-on experience in journalism, she has honed her ability to craft compelling narratives, conduct thorough research, and deliver accurate and engaging content that resonates with diverse audiences.